Israel Independence Day
May 8, 2008
An official ceremony marks the anniversary of the Israeli declaration of Independence in 1948. Similar to observances in other countries, the day includes solemn ceremonies, speeches, barbeques, and fireworks.

Lag B'Omer
May 23, 2008
Minor holiday tied to events of the second century CE, when the great Talmudic scholar Rabbi Akiva, and the perceived Messiah Bar Kochba, failed to bring in the expected Messianic era. Lag B’Omer celebrates the revelation by Jewish mystics of the secret formulas, disciplines, and spirituality, which are to usher in the coming of the Messiah.

Yom Yerushalayim
June 2, 2008
National holiday marking the reunification of the city of Jerusalem in 1967, as a result of the Six-Day War. The city had been divided since the 1948 War of Independence.


References
1. Jewish Calendar, 2008, Orthodox Union, www.ou.org/calendar/2008.htm.